Tennis: Erakovic into Memphis semis

Marina Erakovic is through to the U.S. National Indoor Tennis Championships semifinals in Memphis for the second straight year.

The New Zealand number one defeated Jamie Hampton in straight sets 7-5, 6-2.

The victory over the American on home soil provided payback for Erakovic after she was beaten by Hampton in the second round of the ASB Classic last month.

The contest took one hour 24 minutes on centre court at the combined men's and women's tournament and saw Erakovic play a consistent match with a 60 per cent first serve as well as taking four out of eight break point opportunities on Hampton's serve.

Erakovic who is ranked 71st will now play Switzerland's Stefanie Voegele ranked 89th in the semifinals. On the two occasions they have played in the past Erakovic has won both. The last time they played was in Bogota last year.

The Kiwi made the final last year before losing to Sweden's Sofia Ardvidsson, who she defeated in the second round yesterday.

Erakovic and Heather Watson were knocked out of the doubles quarterfinals late yesterday.